Startup airline eyes Worcester

A Portland, Maine-based startup airline is eyeing Worcester Regional Airport as a hub to offer flights to Melbourne International Airport in Florida.

Bryan Glazer, president of JetPlane Public Relations, the media relations firm representing Elite Airways, said his client has had casual conversations with city officials, but no formal dialogue with the Massachusetts Port Authority, which owns the airport.

Richard Walsh, spokesman for Massport, confirmed that no conversations have occurred.

“If Elite is expressing interest, we'll meet with them, talk about the airport, the region and provide them with market data so they can make a business decision,” Mr. Walsh said.

Elite Airways is identifying departure airports for passengers flying to the Orlando area and other attractions near the Florida airport. In a news release the company said it is looking at airports in Portland, Maine; Portsmouth, N.H.; and possibly upstate New York, as well as Worcester.

Mr. Glazer believes there is a major market in Worcester for flights to Florida and it needs to be examined. He believes people in the area don't want to drive to Boston or Providence to catch flights and would prefer the airport in Central Massachusetts.

He said there is a large number of potential passengers within a 75-mile radius of Worcester.

A decision to bring flights to Worcester from Elite Airways planes, which seat 50 people, wouldn't come until the first quarter of 2013. Any flights would be direct, Mr. Glazer said.

On a day with good weather and little fog, Worcester Regional Airport is a great spot to catch a flight, Mr. Glazer said, noting short lines and check-in times.

Direct Air, the last airline to offer service from Worcester Regional Airport, abruptly ceased service in March and quickly went bankrupt. This summer, JetBlue expressed an interest in offering flights from the airport.